Friends,
We continue our journey through the Odyssey with several excellent guests: Dr. Jared Zimmerer of Benedictine College, Mary Pat Donoghue, then Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education at the USCCB, and Dr. Jennifer Frey, then Dean of the University of Tulsa Honors College. We discuss the subtle return of King Odysseus, the wit of Queen Penelope (and what she knows…), and the anticipation of the slaughter of the suitors.
A few resources from our Ascend Book Club:
Articles, podcasts, videos, and more to help you read the Odyssey. You can also listen to these books on the podcast. Be sure to consult our 115 Question and Answer Guide to the Odyssey to dig into the lessons Homer has to offer you.
Join our reading group and study the great books with us!
To support our mission and get all our resources, become a paid book club member. In addition to the weekly podcast, you’ll get:
Live book club discussions / Q&A with Dcn. Garlick & guest scholars
In-depth reading guides and essays to lead you through the great books
Access to our incredible community of readers
The full archive of members-only content (guides, essays, and podcasts)
Portents Are Gathering: Books 17-20
These are subtle books. Homer offers you a king in disguise and the question of recognition. We also see Odysseus putting to use many of the lessons he learned on his journey. We have some great guests in this segment of the text—great mentors to help you see what Homer the teacher has to offer you.
The slaughter of the suitors is coming.
Good work! Be sure to consult our 115 Question and Answer Guide to the Odyssey to explore these texts in detail. Only a few books left!
Dcn. Harrison Garlick lives in rural Oklahoma with his wife and five children. He serves as a deacon at Holy Family Cathedral and as Chancellor & General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Follow him on X at Dcn. Garlick or Ascend.




